Falmouth residents return home after WWII bomb removal

Residents in Falmouth, Cornwall, have been allowed to return to their homes following the successful removal of a suspected 250lb (113kg) American air-dropped bomb from the Second World War.

The unexploded ordnance was discovered in the water near Falmouth Docks on Monday. To facilitate its removal, authorities established a safety cordon that eventually extended to 755 metres, resulting in the evacuation of approximately 336 to 339 households. The evacuation caused significant disruption, including the suspension of GWR train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth.

Military bomb disposal experts from Bravo Squadron extracted the device, which is scheduled to be destroyed in deep water far out at sea. Local officials, including representatives from Cornwall Council and West Cornwall policing, praised the coordinated efforts of emergency services, military specialists, and partner agencies in ensuring public safety during the operation.